Panic twists deep in my gut. Physically speaking, my species is weaker than theirs. They can shift into monstrous dragons, creatures of old Earth legend. Even if we ask the Drakarians to leave us alone… now that they know we are biologically compatible, what’s to stop them from capturing my people? It’s not like we could offer much resistance.
When we reach the room that has been prepared for me, I’m surprised by the spacious layout. A large bed against the far wall draws my attention, a frame of dark wood supporting a floating mattress and rising into a headboard that curves into a partial canopy above. The scarlet comforter looks plush and inviting, embroidered with a symbol I don’t recognize. It must be the royal Fire Clan sigil.
Several tapestries decorate the otherwise stark stone walls. Just as the bed hovers off the ground, so do the table and chairs near the balcony. Three large platters of food and a crystal pitcher of water sit on the coffee table and would be tempting if I could muster an appetite right now. Long, flowing curtains of red silk sway in the breeze that drifts in from the balcony nearby. This place is every fairytale fantasy I’ve ever dreamed up as a child, but suddenly, the sight has become my living nightmare. If I’m not careful, these chambers could easily become my gilded cage.
And yet, when I glance at Varus, I feel conflicted. He’s been nothing but kind to me since we met—even before he was sure of our compatibility. Drawing in a deep breath, I force myself to push down all my worries and concerns. I’ve always been prone to jump to the worst conclusions first. I need time to process my new surroundings and observe objectively.
Varus gestures to a door opposite the balcony. “The cleansing room is through there.”
A bath or shower sounds perfect right now. We’ve been traveling most of the day and I could do with an opportunity to relax and consider the day’s events.
Awkwardly, I thank Varus and he steps into the hallway, leaving me alone.
I head straight for the cleansing room, pleasantly surprised to discover an enormous bathing pool carved into the center of the floor.
Dipping my toes into the water, a smile lights my face when I realize it’s already heated. Maybe this pool is like the one in the cave: fed by a warm spring. However, I’m hesitant to get in without first locating a towel or robe, and clothes to change into when I’m clean.
I exit the bathroom and notice another door along the wall. Hopeful that I’ve found a linen closet, I open it.
My mouth drifts open when I find another room on the other side—with Varus inside.
His head snaps toward me and I hate that my first inclination is to smile before I remember that I’m still mad.
His expression falls as well when I shoot him a wary look. “What is this? Why are you here?”
He blinks several times in confusion. “I gave you my room. The larger one,” he adds. “So you would be comfortable.”
His answer gives me pause. He’s being considerate, as he has been since I first met him. “Thank you,” I murmur, ashamed of my initial reaction to finding him here.
Hope crosses his expression and he cautiously steps forward. “May I please explain myself?”
I hold his gaze for a moment before reluctantly nodding my permission.
“When I first saw you, I knew instantly that you were mine. My fated mate. I was shocked because I had never heard of a cross-species mating. And… I’d never seen a human before.”
I cross my arms over my chest as I wait for him to continue.
He looks down at his hands. “I wanted so badly to tell you about our bond and my status, but when you described my draka form and I found out how terrified you were, I… simply couldn’t form the words. I was afraid you would reject me before you even had a chance to get to know me.” He pauses. “And I desperately wanted you to know me. Not as Prince Varus, but simply as I am.
“Yes, there are few females in my world, but I accepted you without assurance that we would have fledglings. And… I was all right with that. It did not matter to me once I got to know you. Once I saw how brave you were and how kind.
“My people have searched the stars for a species compatible with ours and found nothing. So, I truly believed it would be the same for yours.”
I uncross my arms, a challenge in my tone. “And it really didn’t matter to you? That we might not be able to have children together?”
He moves closer to take my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. “No. It did not matter. I was already in love with you.”
“Now that you know children are possible, how do I know your people won’t just want to use humans as breeders?”
His eyes go wide. “We would never do such a thing. Even before the plague swept through our race, females have always been treasured—worshipped. Especially our fated mates.” His conviction falters. “There is something else you must know.”
“What is it?”
“What happened between us was special to me, too. My people mate for life. I have never been intimate with a female and I refuse to take any other as my mate. If the Water Clan will not release me from my betrothal to their princess, I will go to war with them, because I will not take anyone but you as my mate.”
“And if I no longer want you?” I ask, because I have to know if his words are true. I have to know that he
